Suspension workout system

Monday, 06 July 2009 08:47 Written by Administrator

Ok, ok, so I've been looking for a way to keep down fitness expenses.  By that I mean getting rid of the gym monthly rate and keeping the climbing gym.  There's no way I'd quit rock climbing.  So after researching a bunch of systems I came across this one, the TRX suspension system.  Its designed by a navy seal, compact and a lot like the cable machine at the gym.  The system is extremely versatile, works core, strength, adjusts easily, transitioning between exercises and weight is often as quick as moving your feet.  Only problem.... its a bit pricey at $175 for the TRX and a door anchor.  Its basically some webbing, a cam buckle and a couple handles.   There are other similar products out there like Blaststraps and the Jungle gym, but I figured I could make something similar on my own.  I was right, but for under $20?  Thats a tenth of the cost of some systems!


DIY suspension trainer shopping list $10 - (2) Cam buckle handle combo (link) *note: the website shows just a cambuckle and a sewn piece of webbing, what I received also has a nice plastic handle, I think they're in the process of updating their website.
~$5 - 15' webbing @ $.31/ft from REI (they'll cut it for you, just ask)
~$1 - (2) buckles from REI
total <$18
Monkey fist door anchor
~$2 - 5' webbing (not sure exactly, but 5' should be plenty)
free - an old golf ball, rock or similar small durable object

An alternative is to go to home depot and buy a truck bed anchor or something similar and bolt it to a ceiling beam.  It really depends on what you've got, the garage would be easy if you've got a beam.  Indoor a little more complex but very doable.  TRX sells this thing called an X -mount, which is an nice solution, but expensive (link).  Another alternative is to simply use a carabiner... wrap it around a pullup bar or a tree outside and clip the loop to the main line.

One area that I really see as a great investment is the TRX DVD's
As with any workout system... good exercises done with proper technique are really the most critical part of a workout.

To get you started, the TRX website has some great free videos up on their site.  There are also good ones on YouTube and such.

Links on how to tie the knots
-How to tie a monkey fist (link) (note: same process with webbing, just tie it loose, insert ball. Then start at one end and tighten around. Here's another how-to tie the not (link2))
-How to tie a water knot (link) (note: pay careful attention to the location of the knot, the door could get in the way)
Pictures in order are of the following.
-Monkey fist knot with a golf ball inside
-Water knot to close the Monkey fist loop
-Finished product
-Upper buckle on webbing (do this before threading the cam buckle)
-Diagram

FiveTen Project

Saturday, 25 April 2009 10:10 Written by Administrator


Ok, I finally broke them in and its official...

They're the best climbing shoes I've owned so far.

The rubber is a whole new generation, its sticky, yes... but you've come to expect that from fiveten.  These shoes are different from all others in a few key ways.  They are thinner.  They are 2mm instead of 4mm thick.  Whoa!  So they'll wear out in half the time?  Nope, the new special rubber was testing at 8 times the durability of the standard 5.10 rubber.  Special additives increased strength and stickiness significantly.   The unique thinness of the rubber allows you to actually "grab" holds with your feet (they call it prehensile technology).  This is sacrifices a couple characteristics that some climbers might value.  1. stiffness 2. comfort.  They're so flexible, you can feel the holds push back at your feet.   Some would say painfully.... but its almost like climbing with gloves on for your whole climbing career and then taking them off.  Is it harder on your hands?  Absolutely.  Is it worth it?  I would say yes.   This comparison is a bit of an exaggeration, but still... Its valid to some degree.  Only way to find out is to try, you'll definitely feel the difference.

One thing to keep in mind is that these are "aggressive" shoes.  They have a down-turned toe which is not for beginners or trad crack monkeys.  That said... these are not a good choice for beginners or a first pair of climbing shoes.  But if you're looking for something a little more high performance, this may be the choice for you.

Fit...  These are leather shoes with thinner than usual rubber and as such they will stretch.  It also makes them a good deal more comfortable.  I know, an unlikely contradiction, but yes they're comfy.  They're so 'form-fitting' because of the thin rubber that they fit skin tight.  The painful part is when you're digging hard into some small foothold and can feel it dig back.  I got mine a little small and it took a couple weeks to break em in (6 climbing days or so).  Oh if you've had five ten shoes before, they're about like the rest.  I wear street 9, 5.10 anasazi verde 8.5, and got these in an 8.5 too.  I'm happy with the size now, but at first I thought they might be too small.  One last though on size... I've read around the net that these shoes do not fit wide feet well.  If yours are, I'd try em on first.

From the boss-man of 5.10 himself...  This is a link to two clips from the owner/inventor of FiveTen.  He talks about this new rubber like its the achievement of his life so far.  The first clip shows the shoe in close up detail and goes over the basic difference.  The second clip is where the owner himself talks about the new "stealth mystique" rubber.

Hopefully that tells you most of what you need to know.

Zenni Optical

Tuesday, 14 April 2009 19:26 Written by Administrator

I know, I know... its kindof odd to post about a glasses company.  But hear me out.  If you need glasses, this is a great place to pick up an extra, great quality pair.  $8!  Not a typo.  I actually have a couple pair of the $8 ones and they work great.  I mostly use them to watch TV in bed or stow in the glove box of my car just in case because I have contacts.  But still...  they're great quality for the price.  The only downside I can think of is that it takes a little over a week to get them.  You need to know your prescription, and pupillary distance (I used a ruler and measured my own PD).  But if its an old prescription and you don't want to bother getting it renewed, no big deal.  You don't have to prove it to them, just put in whatever numbers you want and they'll ship em.  Your decision, your fault if they don't work.

Really the main reason, I posted this is because I've sent this information to a bunch of people and now I can just link to this article.  Enjoy!

Zenni Optical

Outliers

Friday, 27 March 2009 09:39 Written by Administrator


What can I say, this is one of the best books I've read all year.  Its hard to pick a favorite between Gladwell's other books, 'Blink' and 'Tipping point'.  But for now, maybe because its still so fresh, this is my favorite.  I've never read a more intelligent and well-researched discussion of success and its roots.  I really don't want to spoil much because I feel the author unfurls his subject in an order and sequence that powerfully and clearly illustrates his point.  Suffice it to say, you need to read this book.  I'm certain it will FASCINATE you.  It strengthened some theories I've had and inspired me at the same time.  You will have a hard time putting it down its so infectious. Click the pic to get to amazon.

Crokinole

Monday, 23 March 2009 13:57 Written by Administrator



Crokinole is a unique game that is easy to learn but fun to master.  The strategic nuances make this game of skill very unique.  Most that try get hooked quickly.  The game dates back to around 1870 and is quite popular in canada.  Its sortof a cross between shuffleboard and curling, but at a small scale.  Here's an example of a shot, and a link to the rules.
 
I bought my crokinole board here, but prices went up a bit since then.  ~$180 incl. shipping, ~$200 if you want the wood box. The nice thing about crokinole world is that its hand made by an individual who does this as a hobby.  You also get to pick your stain color.  There is a gallery online of the different ones they've made in the past. Mine is called "Defiance" on the site.  Pick the stain you like... Mine was Java stain on the outside or the "ditch" and Nutmeg stain on the center, with metal pegs. Then just email him, letting him know you'd like to purchase a board and what stains you're thinking.  He'll get back to you with details.  It may take a little while, this isn't his only gig.
 
If I were to buy one today, I would probably get an experienced world crokinole championship board from crokinoledepot.com... they're ~$200 the quality is better than mine (the lines don't have grooves, so they're completely smooth) Also, the discs are concave/convex (higher quality) Prices are in Canadian but exchange rates fluxuate.
 
Here are some alternatives:
Mr.Crokinole sells a really nice board but its a bit pricey, the Eagle is ~$280 plus shipping.
Willard board - Although not on the website they sell a PRO version for $179 which is supposed to be the same as the WCC board except for a green ditch, only problem is that they don't sell concave/convex discs.
Mayday games board - A new manufacturer on the scene, they're pre-selling for ~$100, which is a steal if its high quality. It appears to be based on description and photos.
Of course... all prices mentioned were at time of post.  Exchange rates and materials change all the time.  It might seem expensive for what is just a game, but these boards are practically art.  Plus its a nice change from the digital blackhole we all get sucked into sometimes. ;)
 

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